Hello everyone!
My name is Ghazi Abdul Syakir Chairul, and I am a student from Universitas Negeri Jakarta (UNJ). In February 2025, I had the privilege of joining the SEA Teacher program, which brought me to Davao City, Philippines, to teach at the University of the Immaculate Conception (UIC). It was one heck of a journey, one that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. Let's dive in the story, shall we?
Leaving Jakarta for Davao City felt like stepping into the unknown. It was my first time participating in an international teaching exchange, and while I was excited, I also carried the natural nervousness of adapting to a new environment. Not only it was my first time going abroad, but it's also my first time travelling alone, as in without my parents. Â The moment I landed in Davao City, I was greeted with warmth and hospitality that immediately put me at ease. From the airport welcome to meeting the mentors and staff at UIC, everything felt inviting and reassuring.
I was assigned to teach Grade 9 students, and this was the heart of my experience. Standing in front of students in another country felt different at first, but it quickly became natural. The students were lively, curious, and eager to learn, which made teaching a joy. I learned to adjust my methods, experiment with different classroom activities, and focus on making learning engaging and interactive. What I appreciated most was how the students not only respected me as their teacher but also treated me as a friend (since they know that I am still young)
My time in the classroom also gave me insight into the Philippine education system, which follows the K-12 curriculum. I noticed how lessons were designed to balance academic knowledge with values and life skills. There was a strong emphasis on critical thinking and communication. Observing and teaching within this framework broadened my perspective, and it also encouraged me to reflect on how Indonesia’s system compares and what we can learn from each other. Unlike Indonesia, Philippines actually use English as their second language. At first, I thought I will have some kind of language barrier, but turns out, that's not true at all. Almost everyone here can speak English.
Teaching was made smoother by the supportive environment at UIC. The classrooms were well prepared with projectors and/or TVs and blackboards. Beyond the classrooms, the university’s library and other facilities provided a strong foundation for both teaching and learning. What struck me most was not only the infrastructure itself but also the culture of support from the academic staff, who were always ready to guide and assist.
Outside of teaching, I immersed myself in the everyday culture of the Philippines. The food alone was an adventure. Trying adobo, sinigang, and halo-halo quickly became highlights of my stay. Thanks to my friends, shout out to Khyle, Carl, James, CJ, and others from UIC's Teacher Education! I also enjoyed exploring Davao City, from its vibrant markets to peaceful parks. These experiences allowed me to see similarities with Indonesian culture, while also appreciating the unique aspects that make the Philippines special.
One of the most rewarding parts of the program was the people I met. My mentors were patient and encouraging, the students gave me energy every day, the staff always made sure I felt at home, and of course the friends I made along the way. I also formed friendships with friends from other countries that are also joining a different program but in UIC. We shared our challenges, celebrated small successes, and learned from each other’s perspectives. These connections turned my one month program into a truly meaningful exchange.
The SEA Teacher program itself is an invaluable platform for aspiring educators. It gives us the chance to experience teaching beyond our home countries and to learn new approaches. For me, this program strengthened my adaptability, broadened my cultural understanding, and deepened my passion for education. I believe every future teacher should experience something like this because it pushes you out of your comfort zone and helps you find your purpose in teaching.
